Blogs from FOCAS US Ministries - FOCAS Ministries - Home of The Lord's Gymhttp://focas-us.org/blog/blogger/listings/vgentry
Fri, 22 Feb 2019 15:23:15 +0000Joomla! - Open Source Content Managementen-gbCourage to Acthttp://focas-us.org/blog/entry/courage-to-act
http://focas-us.org/blog/entry/courage-to-actWhat do you think of when you hear the word courage? A military hero? A police officer, EMS, or firefighter? Maybe it’s someone fighting a terminal illness? I ask the question, because it is on full display throughout our ministries at the Lord’s Gym.

I am most impressed with those who have come to face their drug addiction head on. I marvel at the woman who, after years of drug abuse and self-inflicted harm, turns her back to the street and receives the help so lovingly extended to her. She willingly bears the pain, trauma and shame in order to embrace the new life that is waiting for her. I see strong and courageous women who are striving to let sobriety take root in their lives. I had planned to share the story of one woman, but after thinking of the others who have graced our doors, I was reminded of the common trait they experienced and shared with us – courage! They had the courage to act, submit to those who can help, and trust God for the healing.

It’s an interesting process. We take the initiative, by faith, to receive help. Then, God shows up to provide his healing power to overcome and restore. In Matthew 12:13, Jesus tells a man with a withered hand to extend his hand. Once he takes the initiative to extend and present his hand, Jesus proceeds to heal and restore his hand. I appreciate the witness of our friends who are demonstrating such fundamental courage and faith. May we all have such courage! Blessings, Scott

Scott Bowers

Executive Director

]]>vgentry@focas-us.org (FOCAS US Ministries)An Encouraging WordFri, 15 Feb 2019 16:25:30 +0000My Prayer for You - Scott Bowers, the Lord's Gym/FOCAShttp://focas-us.org/blog/entry/my-prayer-for-you-scott-bowers-the-lord-s-gym-focas
http://focas-us.org/blog/entry/my-prayer-for-you-scott-bowers-the-lord-s-gym-focasAs we close out 2018 and look forward to what God will do in 2019, I want you to know that all of us at FOCAS/The Lord’s Gym Ministries are thankful and grateful for your partnership in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Out of sincere gratitude I offer to you the following encouraging words and prayer found in Ephesians 3:14 – 4:6 from the English Standard Version Bible. I copied this from Bible Gateway.

Prayer for Spiritual Strength

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family[c] in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.

Ephesians 4 English Standard Version (ESV)

Unity in the Body of Christ

4 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Amen.

Please join us for our annual fundraiser breakfast for some great fellowship and an inspirational program about how God is changing lives in some of our most violent communities through the Lord's Gym in its 25th year of ministry. You will be introduced to our leadership, a highly motivated staff, and you will hear from the actual people who have overcome remarkable odds. The program lasts for 60 minutes and starts at 7:30am sharp.

]]>vgentry@focas-us.org (FOCAS US Ministries)An Encouraging WordThu, 23 Aug 2018 19:22:52 +0000Kroger Community Rewards Programhttp://focas-us.org/blog/entry/kroger-community-rewards-program
http://focas-us.org/blog/entry/kroger-community-rewards-programAre you interested in another easy way to support FOCAS/The Lord's Gym? Participate in the Kroger Community Rewards program. All you have to do is enroll your Kroger Plus Card online at Kroger's secure website, www.krogercommunityrewards.com. All the details are on the website and it is very easy to do. New members can enroll by searching for FOCAS or our account #QR306]]>vgentry@focas-us.org (FOCAS US Ministries)An Encouraging WordFri, 17 Aug 2018 16:47:49 +0000Tour de Fallshttp://focas-us.org/blog/entry/tour-de-falls
http://focas-us.org/blog/entry/tour-de-fallsMake sure you check out our Facebook Page for daily posts for the Tour de Falls bike trip. Teens and adults are on their way to Niagara Falls. That's over 500 miles. You won't want to miss the details of this journey!

]]>vgentry@focas-us.org (FOCAS US Ministries)An Encouraging WordWed, 06 Sep 2017 19:12:10 +0000THE FUTUREhttp://focas-us.org/blog/entry/the-future
http://focas-us.org/blog/entry/the-futureConsider this question as it pertains to the placement of the idea of future.Where is your future?Often, when asked this question, the answer is given from a perspective that is limited by circumstantial evidence beyond personal control and is viewed as separate from the individual and is viewed as in a distant place.

Never confuse explaining the details of your future with where the future is.Perspective is defined as a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view. Perspective is the result of what is believed in the mind and becomes the reality of a life lived. When speaking of your future, it is inherently a projection of thought formed into ideas, explained through words from within you.

If I ask you, what are your plans for the future? You would give an explanation that projects something separate from your present state of being thus defining your future as separate from where you are. The future comes from within the individual and is wherever the individual goes. It is good to have hope for a future that is greater than present circumstances. It is important to know that hope exists in the future as a projection of a vision from within you.

Think about this statement, the future of an apple seed is to become an apple tree, even though the seed itself is a by-product of the circumstances surrounding it, (i.e. dirt, water, sunlight, compost) but it’s potential to become more, is not.The seeds future is trapped within itself.Circumstances have influence on the development of the seed but they do not determine the nature of what’s inside the seed nor the location of what’s inside the tree. Wherever the seed is, the tree is always their inside of the seed. This is called the principle of potential.

Everything created by God, carries the fruit of life, and is already packed with the fullness of life.Every seed is full of what it will ever be. Every baby is full of the material to produce a grown male/female, and you have something lying dormant on the inside that is bigger than your present physical circumstances.Don’t allow your mind to receive the limitations that hardship seeks to place on you. Instead, place limitations on hardship by thinking out of the limitless potential you possess.Previously I said, “Circumstances do not determine the nature of the seed.”This is important to know because inherency of a thing, is the nature of a thing, therefore is inseparable from itself.

Your nature can be seen through the expression of instinctive response to external circumstances.We are creatures of reason therefore understanding self in nature, is illuminated by understanding the nature of source.The strength of a power cord is only as affective as the source it’s plugged into.If stronger light is needed, a deeper connection into the source is required. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, then you will produce much fruit. Without me, you can’t do anything.John 15:5

No one else can think for you. You are unique, an original, and a one-of-a-kind.Take responsibility of your mind and decide to access the vast resources from within.You are equipped with everything necessary to manifest something great in your lifetime.Don’t waste it on self-defeating thoughts because your future depends on it!Time is not the servant of procrastination however choices and actions can be.Don’t waste this season of life on doubt, fear and unbelief. Instead seek to maximize the God given limitless potential within.God established eternity within you when He spoke your name throughout the heavens.

Kevin Johnson – Chaplain Covington Lord’s Gym

]]>vgentry@focas-us.org (FOCAS US Ministries)An Encouraging WordTue, 29 Nov 2016 18:57:01 +0000Power in What We Say...(Part 2)http://focas-us.org/blog/entry/power-in-what-we-say-part-2
http://focas-us.org/blog/entry/power-in-what-we-say-part-2Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.

For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!

]]>vgentry@focas-us.org (FOCAS US Ministries)An Encouraging WordTue, 08 Nov 2016 19:16:00 +0000Healthy Eating and Self Controlhttp://focas-us.org/blog/entry/healthy-eating-and-self-control
http://focas-us.org/blog/entry/healthy-eating-and-self-controlAnd so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him.Romans 12:1 (NLT)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

Whether we eat healthy or not has a lot to do with our perspective. How do we look at food? Do we allow food and situations to control us? Do we go to an event or special occasion where there is lots of food and overindulge? Do we make the excuse that there was nothing healthy available? Or, do we use self-control and select what is healthy?

When learning healthy eating habits, we should always be ahead of the game and prepare ahead of time. Take something healthy with you at all times. I recently went to a graduation and all that was available was a salad. That worked for me and then ate a healthy meal later. On vacation there were plenty of opportunities to overindulge but, I didn’t and as a result I lost weight and still had a great time with my family. Learning how to not let the situation dictate to you how you are going to eat takes self-control. It takes a decision to want to change. God helps us with that. We must ask Him to give us strength to have a healthy perspective of food, to help us use self-control, and have a mind that is determined to have healthy eating habits and not be controlled by the situations or special occasions we participate in. We can enjoy the healthy food we eat, our families, vacations and special occasions while still keeping our healthy eating habits.

Life is about relationships and enjoying family and friends. It is all about the time and the experiences we share with them. It is not about food. Food is fuel to keep us alive. It is so true that we are what we eat. If we have unhealthy eating habits we are going to feel poorly and eventually suffer the consequences. If we want to be healthy we have to change our perspective on food, use self-control, and learn healthy eating habits.

Vicky Gentry – Administrative Assistant

]]>vgentry@focas-us.org (FOCAS US Ministries)An Encouraging WordWed, 02 Nov 2016 19:50:08 +0000Knowing His Voicehttp://focas-us.org/blog/entry/knowing-his-voice
http://focas-us.org/blog/entry/knowing-his-voiceWhen he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. John 10:4

“The Lord is my shepherd, I have all I need” Psalm 23:1

I did some research on "sheep" in the Bible. We, as Christians, are sheep. We are called to follow Jesus, our Shepherd. I like how John 10:4 states that, “When he (being the shepherd) has brought out all his own (meaning his sheep), he goes on ahead of them and his sheep follow him because they know his voice”.

The chapter goes on to say that the sheep won’t follow a stranger because it is a voice they do not know! How cool is that?!?! Then I began pondering that. Do I know the voice of the Shepherd or am I willing to follow a stranger because I don’t?

The Bible tells us in Psalm 100:3 to “Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.”

Oh, so it is that easy. We know that the Lord is God and that He made us and that automatically makes us His! WRONG!! It isn’t that easy. It requires a little more from us to know the voice of the Shepherd.

Matthew 16:24 tells us that as Jesus was talking to his disciples He said, “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me”. And even before we do that, Romans 10:9 says that we must confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our heart that He was raised from the dead, then we will be saved. And the best news of all is that “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13

Following Jesus does require a little on our part. We are to call on His name. We must understand that we are sinners and Jesus was raised from the dead. We must be able to say that out loud. By doing all that, we learn to do away with ourselves because it is all about Jesus. We must take up our cross set before us (which could be a multitude of things). Then, as the sheep hear the shepherd, we too, will hear our Shepherd.

When we can clearly hear our Shepherd, we can follow Him and not a stranger because we will not know that strangers voice!

Thanks be to God!!

Maintain the Faith Family,

Larry Spellman – Chaplain Family Activity Center

]]>vgentry@focas-us.org (FOCAS US Ministries)An Encouraging WordTue, 25 Oct 2016 15:18:12 +0000Are You a Compassionate Samaritan?http://focas-us.org/blog/entry/are-you-a-compassionate-samaritan
http://focas-us.org/blog/entry/are-you-a-compassionate-samaritanRecently I was reflecting with Dick Taylor, Founder, about FOCAS (Foundation of Compassionate American Samaritans) turning 30 years old. I asked him why he chose the words: Compassionate and Samaritans? He said, “It was the most intense example in the Bible of how we should treat each other.” He added compassion to intensify an already powerful parable of Christ’s sacrificial love.

The story of the Good Samaritan, in the book of Luke, is told by Jesus to an expert in the law. He asked Jesus who is his neighbor? (He had just answered Jesus’ question about the law to “love your neighbor”.) Jews and Samaritans didn’t like each other? Here’s Jesus casting the Samaritan in a positive light, as being compassionate, brave, and generous to a stranger. Jesus tells the man to go do the same – show love like the Samaritan:

Recognize a person in need.

Get personally involved.

Don’t be afraid.

Invest your time and resources.

Since 1999, I have seen countless FOCAS staff, volunteers, donors, AND patrons embrace this spirit of a compassionate Samaritan. They recognize needs, they get involved, they go to the more dangerous parts of town (and Haiti), they invest their time, talent, and treasure. They repeat, and repeat, and repeat the process. Thank you for being a compassionate Samaritan.

Scott Bowers – Executive Director

]]>vgentry@focas-us.org (FOCAS US Ministries)An Encouraging WordTue, 18 Oct 2016 15:56:22 +0000THE RIGHT WORDhttp://focas-us.org/blog/entry/the-right-word
http://focas-us.org/blog/entry/the-right-wordAbuse comes in many forms but the power of a spoken destructive word can break the spirit and crush the soul. Physical wounds may heal and leave scars but words that penetrate the heart can echo throughout the eternal being of a person. This type of wound is almost impossible to recover from when left unattended. For many who read this section, I know it hits home with you and you can relate in many ways. I understand the difficulty of attempting to break free from haunting memories that seem impossible to be released from but I can assure you there is hope in the right word. There is a spoken word for your hope that is found in the word of God.Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves the contrite of spirit.

Building blocks of the soul begin with affirming words received in the heart established in the truth of God’s word. When was the last time you stopped to be grateful for your ability to speak life to yourself and others through God’s word?

Words are often taken for granted like breathing.It’s often not given much thought until you can’t breathe. So is it with our words, when words are spewed out based on sudden emotional strain, or opinionated based thinking, insensitivity can be the result followed with a potentially destructive outcome.

Everything begins and ends with the creative force of words.This is why our words must be given careful thought and consideration before releasing them into the atmosphere.Matthew 12:35-37 35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. 36 But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.

Words are like water, they can just about penetrate anything given enough time and pressure. Speaking life over yourself is water for the soul and builds perseverance for the spirit. The lack of speaking the right words over yourself can result in doubt and a lack of faith in the face of adversity. Speaking life is a part of creating a way of thinking that develops a perspective and perception of seeing adversity as opportunity to establish the life you choose.

Strength is a result of choosing to speak the right words over our circumstances, which accelerates the process of unleashing your mind. The next time circumstances press against you to the point of breaking, remember these words, your break down leads to your breakthrough. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Never stop the good confession of your faith over your life. The power of a consistently spoken word produces desired results in due time. A can do attitude changes everything, here are a few confessions to practice on yourself;

•I am a man/woman of purpose

•I am equipped to do great things in life through Christ

•God’s love has empowered me to change the way I see myself

•I was born to succeed

•I am victorious not a victim

Kevin Johnson – Chaplain Covington Lord’s Gym

]]>vgentry@focas-us.org (FOCAS US Ministries)An Encouraging WordTue, 11 Oct 2016 16:36:58 +0000Weapons for Spiritual Warfarehttp://focas-us.org/blog/entry/weapons-for-spiritual-warfare
http://focas-us.org/blog/entry/weapons-for-spiritual-warfareWe live in a world where negative influences are a problem to every individual that lives on this earth. What are those negative influences? They are orchestrated by spiritual forces that are not seen by the physical eye. These spiritual forces work in the spiritual realm, which in turn, affects the physical. We have an enemy that has been around a long time and his name is Lucifer. He carries two titles: devil (accuser) and Satan (adversary). He has been raising havoc on mankind for centuries, for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers and rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians. 6:12). Read the whole chapter.

So in understanding that we are in a spiritual warfare, we as believers, have weapons that are spiritual, not physical, to use in this spiritual fight. The writer, Paul, stated it best, in 2 Corinthians 10:4,"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.” We are going to identify the weapons we have access to as believers, of which there are four:

1. The Holy Spirit - He is here to lead, guide and direct us for He lives inside of us. He will always speak and reveal truth to us.

Scripture references: John 14:16-18, 26;John 15:26 & 27;John 16:7-15

2. The Word of God – This is our manual to navigate us through life issues and decisions. It also helps us to understand who God is, so we can understand who we are in Him.

3. Prayer - Prayer is essential for us as believers, for that's how we communicate with the Heavenly Father and He communicates with us. Prayer also helps us to release how we are feeling, so God can move in our life.

4. Fasting- Fasting is abstaining from food, skipping a meal or going all day. Fasting is where you are denying the physical to make an impact in the spiritual.

Scripture references:Matthew 4:1-11;Matthew 17:14-21;Luke 4: 1-14

These weapons that we have talked about are here for us to use, so we can deal with everyday life. Jesus knows what we are dealing with in this world, for He had faced them too, for Hebrews 4:15 states, "For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." Also listen to what Jesus says in John 16:33, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you may have peace. In this world you shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." Use the spiritual weapons that you have access to, for when you do, you will see results!

My next blog will be about the strong holds from 2 Corinthians 10:4 & 5.

Everyone stay blessed!

Rob Dothard – Chaplain Lord’s Gym Queensgate

]]>vgentry@focas-us.org (FOCAS US Ministries)An Encouraging WordWed, 05 Oct 2016 13:06:00 +0000He Can Do More Than We Ask or Imaginehttp://focas-us.org/blog/entry/he-can-do-more-than-we-ask-or-image
http://focas-us.org/blog/entry/he-can-do-more-than-we-ask-or-imageEphesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.

About 10 years ago, my wife and I were casting vision as Youth Pastors to our adult and teen leadership team. We shared how God desired us to start Bible clubs in local public schools. Only God could make this happen. We were living in Northern California, a very liberal community where separation of church and state was taken very seriously. One of our adult leaders made a comment, “That will never happen.” Over the course of a few years we launched several successful campus Bible clubs at various schools in the community.

As we took the leadership role a few months ago as youth outreach chaplain in Price Hill, my wife and I began sharing the vision of reaching the entire family of the youth we serve, even connecting with them at their house. Someone made the comment, “They will never want you at their house.” Just this week, we were dropping off some shoes a generous donor gave for a family we serve. As we were at the house dropping off the shoes, their mother asked what my family was doing for Labor Day weekend. She insisted that we celebrate with them at a family BBQ they were having at their house.

I want to encourage all of us to never limit God. Even when well intentioned (or maybe not) people try to discourage you. Remind yourself that the God you serve is ABLE to do more than all of us could ask or imagine. He is that GOOD!

Brandon Welch – STORM Chaplain

]]>vgentry@focas-us.org (FOCAS US Ministries)An Encouraging WordFri, 23 Sep 2016 13:50:24 +0000Power in What We Say....(Part 1)http://focas-us.org/blog/entry/power-in-what-we-way-part-1
http://focas-us.org/blog/entry/power-in-what-we-way-part-1Many years ago I shared what I thought was an encouraging incident in my life with a group of rowdy youth...most of them in the 8 year old range. As I was speaking...it didn't seem to me that the young boys sitting in the Lord's Gym were paying attention to what I was saying and there wasn't much response. They seemed much more interested in the pizza that was soon to be served.

I was shocked when three years later I was talking with some older youth in that same room. One of them brought up the story I had shared years before just as he had heard it when he was eight waiting for his piece of pizza. So three years later my little story re-emerged to encourage that older group.

Sometimes we have no idea how what we say or do is being received. Even when we are directing our conversation to one specific person...others around may be soaking in what is said to their betterment or detriment. We may see no immediate result but the thoughts spoken may stick with them for years. Words are powerful. May we choose them wisely.

Bob Clarke - Director of Ministry Operations

]]>vgentry@focas-us.org (FOCAS US Ministries)An Encouraging WordWed, 14 Sep 2016 14:17:50 +0000Giving to FOCAS is easy!http://focas-us.org/blog/entry/giving-to-focas-is-easy
http://focas-us.org/blog/entry/giving-to-focas-is-easyWould you like to help raise funds for FOCAS ministries in a really easy way? All of us have to go to the grocery store, right? Well, if you shop at Kroger and have a Kroger Plus Card, every time you use your card FOCAS will earn rewards if your card is set up with FOCAS as the recipient of those rewards. It’s that easy. Kroger will pay up to $1,000,000 on a quarterly basis to participating organizations based on their percentage of spending as it relates to the total spending of all participating Kroger community Reward organizations.

All you have to do is enroll your Kroger Plus Card online at Kroger’s secure website, www.krogercommunityrewards.com . All of the details are on the website and it is very easy to do. Then the next time you go shopping at Kroger, you can know that you were a part of helping the less fortunate here in the Greater Cincinnati Area. Giving to FOCAS and the community doesn’t get any easier than that!!

Thank you in advance!

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. Hebrews 6:10

]]>vgentry@focas-us.org (FOCAS US Ministries)An Encouraging WordThu, 08 Sep 2016 18:37:13 +0000In The Aftermath of Cincinnati’s Record Breaking Number of Overdoseshttp://focas-us.org/blog/entry/in-the-aftermath-of-cincinnati-s-record-breaking-number-of-overdoses
http://focas-us.org/blog/entry/in-the-aftermath-of-cincinnati-s-record-breaking-number-of-overdosesJust a week after so many overdoses in Cincinnati, the search and rescue team went back out on the streets on their usual Tuesday night timeslot. Their first destination was Price Hill where just a week before some of those they reached out to were among those who overdosed but were revived. It was a different kind of night. Many girls were out. Some were talking about the overdoses and you could sense the fear and anguish. We heard that three girls had died. (A) was a user and allowed many of the girls to stay at her place. Another girl, (N), the team met just a few weeks previously. We just reached out to the girl she was with that night and she did not mention her death. She came onto the bus with a different girl.

We were also told that a man had raped 3 girls. He would take them to the cemetery and tell them that if they didn’t do what he said he would kill them. One he threatened with a knife and the other he threatened to do her bodily harm. We were also told a girl’s body was found in a car with her hands and head taped up. There was a note left that said, “Got her!”

With all of these horrific situations going on in the streets, one would think, “Why are these girls still out there?” You would think this would be enough to scare them off the streets and wanting to be clean. Well, in all this sad news there is hope. Most all of the girls this night were very open to prayer. We got the opportunity to love on these girls and show them the love of Jesus Christ. We did hear some good news from two of the girls. (K) has been off the streets for a month and a half. She has a place to live and a boyfriend. She said she is doing well.

(D) had been clean for 17 days. That all happened after her sister who had been clean was shot up with drugs by her boyfriend and she died. (D) was desperate to get clean and turned herself in at the Justice Center for an outstanding warrant. That was her way of getting clean and off the streets. She also told us that her Grandma passed away. Despite all she has been through, she is doing well and told us she still has her apartment but has plans to get a house.

And so, the team keeps going out to reach out to and love on the girls on the streets week after week. Food and drinks are served and clothes/hygiene packets are given out. The bus and what it brings to the ministry is a portable safe haven for these girls to come onto for a moment where they can settle in for a short time and get some things off their chest. It’s a place to get a hug and a prayer from a team who cares so much about them. It’s a place to see the love of Jesus and not be judged like the world does. This ministry is not for the faint at heart. It’s a team that does not give up on the girls but, it continues to give them love in hopes that one day they will want and seek help to get clean and off the streets.